Special to the Herald
The Vatican has formally recognized Worldwide Marriage Encounter as an international private association of the faithful, marking a historic milestone for the global marriage enrichment ministry and its longtime presence in Hawaii.
To celebrate this acknowledgement, WWME Hawaii is inviting couples to attend a residential weekend July 10-12 at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Kalihi Valley. The next experience will be held Feb. 12-14, 2027, at the same location.
The Vatican recognition also serves as an invitation for a new generation of couples to step away from daily life demands and renew their commitment to one another.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life issued the decree on March 11 in Rome, following a rigorous, nearly decade-long review of the organization’s mission, programs and alignment with church teaching. The Vatican recognition represents the highest level of approval for a lay Catholic movement — it has only been granted three times in the past nine years. WWME representatives also attended a private audience with the Holy Father the following day.
“This recognition is the church’s way of saying what our ministry does matters for couples and priests,” said Brian and Claudine Perry, Hawaii’s WWME executive team. “It is a seal of trust for every couple who has invested in their marriage through this experience, and an invitation for others to do the same.”
Founded more than 55 years ago, Worldwide Marriage Encounter is the original faith-based marriage enrichment program, helping couples deepen communication, strengthen their relationship and grow in faith. While rooted in Catholic teaching that marriage is a sacramental relationship between a man and a woman, the experience is open to couples of all faiths. The Vatican recognition does not change the structure or content of the experience.
WWME Hawaii’s July 10-12 weekend offers a residential retreat format designed to help couples step away from daily distractions and focus fully on each other. Couples who have previously attended a WWME weekend are also welcome to return and experience the program’s recent enhancements, including short videos and new exercises.
The weekend includes guided presentations, workbooks, personal reflection, five meals and Mass on Saturday morning, concluding Sunday afternoon. Space is limited.
A $225 application fee confirms a couple’s reservation. Applications are available at www.hawaiiwwme.org. For more information, contact Brian and Claudine Perry at (808) 276-5721 or at brian.claudine.perry@wwme.org.
Above: Worldwide Marriage Encounter presenting teams celebrate at Holy Family Church in Honolulu after a recent weekend experience on Oahu. From left: Clayton and Anita Fernandez of Kahului, Maui; Betty and Ed Coda of Honolulu; Father E. John Hilgert of Citrus Heights, California; and Ruby Mae and Manny Baldovi of Ewa Beach. (Courtesy photo)